A group of opinionated Britons will attempt the “perilous” journey refugees and migrants make to the UK, as part of a new social experiment to be broadcast on Channel 4.
The four-part series is billed as taking an “unflinching look at the truth of immigration” as a group of six contributors with differing views on immigration, travel to the homelands “that refugees are so desperate to leave”.
It comes as immigration remains a divisive topic in the UK after new Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer confirmed the Rwanda deportation scheme to deter migrants from crossing the English Channel is to be scrapped.
The Channel 4 series, currently titled Go Back To Where You Came From, will see the contributors dropped into two high-risk locations – starting their journey in Mogadishu in Somalia and Raqqa in Syria.
“How will they cope experiencing the threat of near-by missile strikes, witnessing mass overcrowding of camps, and being up close to those living in devastating poverty?” a Channel 4 statement said.
They will then travel to countries on migrant routes through Africa, the Middle East and Europe into the UK, “facing scenarios and experiences which continually challenge their views”.
It will feature treks through the African desert, border crossings through mountain ranges and “the terror of small boat crossings”.
“Will these immense and extremely challenging experiences alter their personal views on immigration and create some difficult and controversial conversations amongst the group?” Channel 4 said.
The series is set to “confront, educate, anger, shock and tug at the heartstrings of liberals, the right wing and everyone in between”.
The social experiment is based on a 2011 TV series which followed the journey of six Australians who took a refugee journey backwards from Australia experiencing immigration raids, living in a refugee camp and travelling on small boats.
Anna Miralis and Madonna Benjamin, senior commissioning editors, said: “This is an extremely bold commission that continues to reinforce the Channel’s commitment to tackle difficult and highly relevant subject matter.
“It is hoped that this will offer up an opportunity for the British public to help understand some of the terrifying perils asylum seekers face when they attempt to travel to the UK.
“The adaptation of this multi award-winning Australian format will be thoughtful and impactful and is likely to create an intense debate about an issue that Britain has grappled with for decades.”
Executive producer Liam Humphreys said: “We are thrilled to be working with C4 on this audacious and ground-breaking idea which will provide a unique and compelling perspective on the plight and flight of asylum seekers.
“Go Back To Where You Came From is a perfect illustration of how a controversial and thought-provoking format can, through a very human focus, challenge preconceptions and ignite the national debate.”